While it’s June and we’re nearing the official start of summer, the sad truth is that spring ended long ago and the infamous summer humidity of Washington, D.C. is back in full force. These days, we see longer winters and summers but only the quickest glimpse of an idyllic spring in the city.
To reminisce on the barely week that was spring, I’m telling my spring story in pictures.
From May 5-6, Mount Vernon in Alexandria, VA held one of the largest Revolutionary War reenactments in the region. Hundreds of reenactors flock to the grounds of George Washington’s former home to camp out, don their 18th century garb, and participate in battle reenactments and reenact what life was like on the battlefield during the Revolutionary War for both the Continental and the British Armies.
Have you ever witnessed this reenactment? This is my second year to this particular Revolutionary War reenactment, and I learn something new each time.
If you’re in D.C. or if you’re a big art fan, you probably know about Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors. In any city this exhibition travels to, it becomes one of the most popular art experiences in that city. From February 23 to May 14, Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Rooms is at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C.!
For those unfamiliar with Yayoi Kusama, she is a legendary Japanese artist. Her career has spanned over 60 years and she has influenced many other legendary artists, such as Andy Warhol and George Segal. She has dabbled in paintings, collages, sculptures, performance arts, and installations with thematic elements of patterns and psychedelic colors. Ever since she was a young girl, she has been inspired by polka dots and nets in her works. She has even stated that “polka dots are a way to infinity.” Her history is complex and intense, and I would recommend readers take the time to briefly review her story.
Happy Lunar New Year!
This is the biggest holiday and celebration observed by many populations, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mauritius, and Macau. This year, Lunar New Year falls on Saturday, January 28, and it’s the Year of the Rooster.
I couldn’t resist going back to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (which I talked about in a previous post) for their Winter Walk of Lights. From mid-November to a little after New Year’s Day, Meadowlark is transformed into an animated walk of lights. It runs daily from 5:30-10 pm, with last tickets being sold at 9:30 pm.
Having heard about this annual tradition, I knew I needed to see it for myself. I was debating between going to this, the Chinese Lantern Festival, or the Bull Run Festival of Lights. I read some negative reviews about the lantern festival and Bull Run Regional Park was a bit of a drive on a weeknight, so that quickly narrowed the choices down to Meadowlark!
I have no regrets though. It’s a beautiful light display. The entire Meadowlarks staff and many volunteers personally install all of the lights and displays in the garden, so there’s a lot of hard work being put into this event. I also love that they incorporate various animal and flower light displays, which is very fitting for them as a botanical garden.
Check out some of my photos before and go see the Winter Walk of Lights for yourself! You can purchase tickets online (tickets are not available for on-site purchase Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays). Tip: use promo code prime16 to get $2 off each ticket.
alice from va 